asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what funds have been granted to the British Chess Federation each year during the past five years; how much it is proposed to make available during the current and next financial years; and if he will make a statement about future policy.

Grants offered to the British Chess Federation during the past five years were as follows:

	£
1966–67	Nil
1967–68	Nil
1968–69	Nil
1969–70	120
1970–71	569

During the current financial year grants totalling £155 have been offered to the British Chess Federation towards travel expenses of a competitor participating in an overseas championship and a delegate to an overseas conference. The Federation has been told that the Department will consider for grant any applications in respect of overseas events or conferences which take place before 31st March, 1972. Future arrangements are under consideration.